JP/18/RAFT2A
Rafting operators offer wide range of outdoor attractions
High demand for white-water rafting activities has made rafting operators ubiquitous across the country. Amalia Yunita, the director of PT Lintas Jeram Nusantara, said there were now dozens across the country, with the highest numbers in Bali and West Java.
The rafting operators market their outings and trips through various ways. Some market rafting events by putting ads in magazines or newspapers, others use word of mouth, some mailing lists and the rest cooperate with travel agencies and hotels. "Rafting operators also try to grab corporate clients," said Bonky Prasetyo, the executive director of Amphibia Outdoor Provider.
When the rafting operators started up in the 1990s, most customers were expatriates. But, currently most of the customers are Indonesians.
"Most of our customers are yuppies, young Jakartan professionals between 20 and 35 years old. They are fond of challenges," said Bongky, who started the white-water rafting business in 1999. He joined Anhang Outdoor Provider that same year, but in 2004 he separated from them and set up his own business.
"The market depends on customers from certain areas. In Bali, most customers are expatriates while in Bandung, most customers are locals. In North Sulawesi, as people's purchasing power capacity is still low, most customers are domestic tourists outside North Sulawesi as well as the expatriates," said Amalia.
Normally, rafting operators not only provide rafting services but also other outdoor activities such as paint ball, outbound activities, forest tracking and even children's games.
The operators offer various kinds of trips. PT Lintas Jeram Nusantara, which runs Arus Liar Adventure service, have a set price of Rp 350,000 (US$36.80) for a full day rafting trip on Citarik River in Sukabumi, West Java.
The trip begins in the Parakan Telu area and ends in the Cikadu subdistrict, Pelabuhan Ratu. The trip is 17 kilometers long and takes 4.5 hours. The operator provides rafting equipment, a guide and facilitator, rescue team, lunch, refreshments, a toilet and shower, local transportation and a certificate.
The operator also offers a two-hour rafting trip and other outdoor activities such as a jeep tour and paint-ball shooting.
PT Buayatama Arung Jeram also offers similar rafting trips on Citarik River, ranging from a short trip to a full day trip. The price starts at Rp 128,000 per person.
"Between Monday and Friday, we provide services for a minimum of four people. Meanwhile for Saturday and Sunday, there is no minimum number of people required to participate," said Suyono, an employee at PT Buayatama Arung Jeram, whose company is called BJ's Rafting and Adventure Trip.
For those who wish to experience the Cikandang River in Garut regency, which has been called heaven for rafting enthusiasts in West Java, they can contact Amphibia Outdoor Provider.
Like other operators, the Amphibia provides standard equipment and transportation between Jakarta, Bandung and the Cikandang River. The trip costs more than similar rafting trips on other rivers due to the length of the trip.
It takes four to five hours by jeep to reach the location from Bandung. The two-day trip costs Rp 650,000 per person, including standard rafting equipment, acoustic live music, life insurance and a barbecue Nite and Camp Fire on Cijayana Beach, Garut.
"Because we realize the distance of the trip is long, we provide our customers with other activities such as a barbecue and camp fire, walking along Cijayana Beach and a trip passing through a beautiful tea plantation," said Bonky. -- A'an Suryana
in box Addresses of rafting operators
1. Amphibia Outdoor Provider
Jl. Boncenang No. 1, Bandung, tel: 0815 6101994
e-mail: amphibia@gmail.com or bonkybdg@yahoo.com
2. PT Buayatama Arung Jeram (BJ's Arung Jeram)
Graha Panorama, Lt. 3 Roxy, Jl. Tanjung Selor 17, Jakarta
tel. 6385 0519
3. PT Lintas Jeram Nusantara
Casablanca Apartment, Ground Floor, Jl. Casablanca Kav. 12,
South Jakarta, tel 8355885